“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

There’s a medieval story about two monks.

They came to a choppy river that was very fast moving, but they needed to get across. At the same time, they came alongside a lady who also needed to get across. She was frail and would clearly need to be carried.

However, it was forbidden for the monks to touch a woman.

The first monk refused to help. But the second thought this was an extenuating circumstance. So he bent the rules, gently picked her up, and carried her across to safety. She thanked him and proceeded on her way.

Miles down the road, the first monk couldn’t contain himself and expressed his disappointment: “I can’t believe you touched a woman!”

The merciful monk replied: “Brother, I put her down miles ago. So why do you still carry her in your heart?”

Bitterness often outlasts what you were bitter about in the first place.

Is there bitterness in your heart that you continue to carry around in your heart, even after the passing of many years?

Maybe it’s time to set it down. It’s heavy.

The journey of life is tough as it is without unnecessary baggage.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.